"Kind and professional care at Huyton walk in centre"

In January I had what I thought was a severe asthma attack at work. I'd been sitting with my back to an open window for several months and this particular day, I started to cough and just couldn't stop and realised this 'coughing fit' was rapidly progressing to the point that I couldn't speak or breathe.

I was actually working in a hospital at the time and not one of my colleagues asked if I needed any assistance so I left an email message for my supervisor and left.

I went to the local Walk In Centre at Huyton, Liverpool and was triaged within about 5 minutes. I was immediately put in a wheelchair and taken through to the clinic area where I was put on oxygen immediately. The nurses I saw there were very, very caring but at the same time they got on with the business of getting me sorted out quickly, quietly and efficiently.

The nurse I saw in the clinic area was particularly kind and caring in her approach. I think her name was Cheryl. She took her time and observed me and then said "You know what I'm going to say next don't you? You need to go to hospital so the ambulance is on its way for you."

Two paramedics arrived and asked me questions while I breathed in the oxygen and when that was finished I was taken by ambulance to Whiston Hospital where I was again put on oxygen and various meds.

I was there for a few hours before being told I could go home because if they kept me in I'd 'probably catch something worse'. I really didn't feel well enough to go home and I live on my own and felt very, very weak but they gave me some antibiotics to go home with and I honestly thought I was on my last legs that time.

My chest hardly cleared at all until the very last day of the antibiotics when as if by magic - it cleared. Up to then I felt like I was drowning and my sats were very low and I had no energy whatsoever.

I haven't a clue what was wrong with me - whether it was asthma, severe chest infection or pneumonia. No-one ever thinks to tell the patient what's going on. All I know is, I've had the same thing every year for the past few years and each year it gets worse.

I'd like to thank Cheryl and the staff at Huyton Walk In Centre for their kindness and courtesy that day. It was appreciated every bit as much as the medications I was given and it was proof that nurses CAN take the time to be kind, in the midst of a JAM PACKED walk in centre, and also get the job done.

Thank you all once again.